Larne took a huge step towards retaining their Sports Direct Premiership title with a 2-1 win over Glentoran at the Oval as Linfield dropped points at home to Coleraine on a dramatic night in the race for the Gibson Cup.
The Bannsiders have proved a bogey team for the Blues this season, but it looked like David Healy’s side were going to collect all three points as the led 2-1 deep into injury time at Windsor Park.
However, Coleraine striker Matthew Shevlin struck to a 97th minute equaliser. Just a matter of minutes before, Larne had snatched an injury time win over the Glens when a Johnny Russell own goal put them into a 95th minute lead at the Oval.
Top scorer Andy Ryan put Larne into an eighth minute lead but an own goal from Cian Bolger levelled it for the home side on 57 minutes before that late drama which handed the Inver Reds all three points.
Linfield had come from behind to lead against Coleraine late on. Matthew Fitzpatrick cancelled out Jamie McGonigle’s 44th minute opener on 52 minutes.
Chris Shields put the Blues into the lead from the penalty spot minutes later and they held that advantage until deep into injury time when Shevlin struck.
The results mean Larne extend their lead at the top of the table with just two games remaining, with Larne visiting Windsor Park next Monday night in what could be a title decider.